Question:

1. Contrast the biblical view of creation to the Greek view. How does the biblical view provide comfort and reassurance while the Greek view does not?

2. Explain how Joseph and/or Job could be considered heroic? What biblical standards are established with their stories?

3. Discuss Achilles and/or Hector and their major flaws. What events particularly demonstrate these? Do they change their ways?

4. Discuss the theme of blindness in Oedipus. How is blindness both figurative and literal? Where and how does this theme fit with Aristotle's ideas about tragedy?

5. Aeneas, the Roman hero, is on a journey, a common literary convention. Who and what are important on his journey? Identify some examples of how the hero on a journey will encounter hardship.

6. What were Augustine's flaws as a youth? Give some examples and explain their impact. How did these lead to his conversion?

7. How is Beowulf an ideal ruler and hero based on the Germanic culture's values? Provide examples that show he exemplifies this concept.

8. Beowulf is set in a pagan world, but there are Christian influences. How is Christianity present in the poem? How are both elements related to the theme of good vs. evil?

9. Discuss Dante's view of sin. How do his portrayals of those in Hell explain his view? Choose a few examples and explain their meaning.
The Inferno is a journey. How does Dante morally develop with the help of Virgil? What parts of his journey, do you suppose, impacted him the most?

10. Discuss the Pardoner. What are his personality traits? How does he communicate his message? How does his tale reflect the major theme of greed? What is Chaucer's purpose in presenting him in this way?

11. Analyze some different ways Machiavelli suggests that a leader should use to obtain and secure political power. How could these be effective (or not)?

12. Discuss Hamlet as a tragic hero (a flawed character of high standing who falls). Particularly focus on his flaws and explain how they lead to his downfall.

13. Identify examples of Christianity in the play. How does Shakespeare integrate and use Christian practices/principles? What effect do they have on the events?

14 Discuss how Satan is portrayed in the epic poem. Provide examples of his character. How could this portrayal be considered controversial based on Christian beliefs?

15. Describe Adam and Eve in the poem. Provide examples of how their behaviors and choices differ from biblical truth.